There is a way to say things that can shift the focus and give credit to oneself rather than keep it where it should be.

There is also a way to ensure the focus and credit remain where they should be.

For instance, Peter and John one day were going up to the temple to pray and encountered a lame man who had been there begging most all of his life.  Peter told him that silver and gold he did not have, but what he did have, he would give to him and then commanded the man to rise and walk.  The man was instantly healed and ran and leaped and went into the temple, leaping and praising. Everyone knew the man well and was amazed.  Then the man went to Peter and John and held on to them. I interpret that to mean he was hugging them.

At this point, Peter could have launched his ministry and increased his influence tremendously by speaking of his healing ministry.  But it’s interesting to see how Peter handled this sudden increase in attention.

Acts 3:11   Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Peter gave the credit where the credit was due and kept the focus where it needed to be kept.

Peter did not yield to the temptation of a subtle shift in focus or credit to advance his ministry brand and increase his popularity for greater ministry opportunities.  Peter was convinced it was not by his power that the lame man was healed.  Peter was convinced it was Jesus who healed the man.  So, it was the easiest thing for Peter to credit Jesus with the miracle and then draw the attention of those listening to Jesus and the importance of believing in Him.

I have no power to heal anyone, raise anyone from the dead, do any type of miracle, or operate in a gift of the Spirit.  But the One living in me has power, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in me has power.  So when I see someone healed or someone receives a miracle, or I am used for a spiritual gift of any kind, I know it is not me. It is Him.  Therefore, it is simple to give Him the credit for what happens.

Anything good I do is credited to Jesus Christ, who made me new by giving me new life in Him.  Anything wonderful I get to participate in supernaturally is credited to the Holy Spirit, who is operating to make Christ known and bring people to realize the goodness of God manifest in Christ.  I desire always to be as Peter was in that moment.  Able to resist the temptation for ministry promotion, give credit to whom it is truly due, and turn the focus to Him, who gave everything to bring salvation and hope.  Jesus is the only one worthy of receiving praise!